Whatever COVID-19 Virus is, it was further along than the Narrative indicate. Corona Virus is a known organism. The COVID-19 strain is new. It is difficult to believe that people ate Animals from the wild and a Virus developed exuding from Nose, Mouth, or Pores of the skin. The result, a contagion affecting other Humans causing infection and exhibiting Flu like symptoms transmitted from person to person and Country to Country.

The Medical Community appears alarmed. Regardless it is time to move forward and cease wallowing in panic mode, especially the Media. The messaging from the CDC has been less than encouraging. One could conjure the Replacement of the messenger. Fortunately, we have strong leadership and a Supporting Team in the Administration. I hope this is not a sinister attempt to thwart the considerable Gains of the Administration. I am confident that Country and the World will survive.

What is the True origin of COVID-19? When, where, and how did it originate? Seems to me those are all unanswered questions. The narrative to date seems more contrived than real. How many strains of COVID-19 exist? It is not likely anyone knows yet and any attempt to quantify will be a justifiable effort to prevent Corona Virus Hysteria. Unfortunately, there is already Worldwide Hysteria but everyone should take two steps backward and move forward to address and resolve. Canceling Games and Events could prove to be unnecessary and overreacting. A Corona Virus ruckus is not helpful.

Now is the time for the Medical Professionals to think outside Books. COVID-19 should not be politicized. The Intelligentsia as well as the Proletariat can agree on the need to refrain from the Politization of COVID-19. The Democrat Party cannot do any better than POTUS with this issue. None of the 2020 Democrat Presidential candidates can articulate a resolution. The Democrat Party is more a problem than the solution. The Democrat Party is a problem for the future of Country. It is probably time to review their Charter or Mission Statement.

How and why did China become The World Supplier? What if, Country is not cordial or having a quarrel with China? The Geneva Convention has no provision to prevent starvation or discomfort from lack of Supplies. Would you rather have Pollution and Food or No Pollution and No Food? A World with the expectation of one Major Supplier or supplies coming from one grid is Dysfunctional, unless one wishes Grocery stores to look similar to those in undeveloped countries.

What is obvious is Chinese are traveling extensively. Included with the Travel are Viruses specific to China. With more than a Billion people and only a finite number of Jobs, they have to Travel to find work. That COVID-19 is affecting the Stock Market is ridiculous at best. The Stock Market is not for the Faint of Heart. Investors who dump stocks because of COVID-19, has more to lose if they plan to return.

Raiding Grocery stores is consistent with Scavenging and behavior that only Neanderthals engage in. Is COVID-19 what it takes to remind people to drink water, use Paper Towel, and Toilet Paper? Raiding Grocery stores to Purchase water and emptying the shelves of Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and other Basics is unacceptable. Unless you plan to drink warm or hot water, it is of no more value than it was yesterday. The Virus likes Cold environment inclusive of cold water. Actually, your fellow American is raiding the Grocery stores to hoard the basics and sell it to you for a Profit. How neighborly.

What if COVID-19 is the result of a Failed Laboratory experiment. That would require looking “beyond the apparent” but required regarding this matter. The spread of “COVID-19” will have an impact on the Military and World Economy. Those are reasons to look closer at what is the True origin of COVID-19. When, where, and how did it originate? How do we prevent a repeat occurrence?

Corona Virus has been around for some time. The COVID-19 strain is new. The Corona virus testing is suspect and is being done out of fear. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Stop scaring people and encouraging long Drive Through lines for Testing. We have the tools and Brains to resolve this outbreak. Testing and declaring individuals Positive or Negative is the wrong approach. Disseminating verbiage regarding catch it before you get it, is fear mongering. Those with significant Biology background find the CDC messaging bothersome and demand that the messenger be replaced. Relax, People catch the flu every day and live. Treat COVID-19 as Flu and stop exhibiting the Plague mentality.

POTUS did the right thing in stopping Airline Traffic from China and soon there will be other Countries. We in Country need to figure out why so many masked individuals arriving from Asia or China. Contrary to current belief, if you are wearing a Mask, you have some medical issue a Doctor considers contagious. Wearing a Mask is “to prevent spread or transmission”. Wearing a Mask does not prevent you the “MASKED PEDESTRIAN” from contracting COVID-19 or any other Virus.

Given the amount of Masked Traffic I have seen, “COVID-19” might have been in Country longer and from locations other than the narrative reported. Country has no choice but to screen all “Masked Migrants”. Prior to Year 2000 one would not be allowed in Country if a Mask was a mandatory part of their attire.

The three (3) Major TAKEAWAY FROM CORONA VIRUS are:

Exposure of a Dysfunctional World Supply Chain.

Cancellation of the Summer Olympics in Japan and

Disruption of International Travel

Exposure of a Dysfunctional World Supply Chain.

COVID-19 has exposed a major flaw in the Supply Chain. Relying on Basic Supplies from other countries is a Dangerous position. How do you go from “Made in the USA” to “Receivership by the USA” and only when products are not tainted with “COVID-19” or other contagious disease? A World with the expectation that one Country is the Major or only Supplier is Dysfunctional. It took one day after the raid on Grocery stores and hoarding of water, Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and other Basics, to create a noticeable shortage of said products on the Shelves. That is a serious matter with many Red Flags.

Cancellation of the Summer Olympics in Japan

It seems unlikely that Summer Olympics will proceed as planned. The IOC may have to borrow the Sydney venue in Australia. If Sydney or another venue is safe and test negative for COVID-19 the IOC must decide now. There is no time to wait.

Natoya Goule is a star. Despite finishing sixth in Doha 2019, she continues to improve her performance in the 800 Meters. Recently, she finished second in the 800-meter Diamond League Final. Quite candidly, when she watches the Tape, she will realize she should have won but not to worry. It was not the 2020 Olympics 800 – meter Final.

Goule will be ready to win the 800 Meters at Olympics 2020. It is refreshing to see an athlete step away and establish a new frontier. She is a Burning Spear. She has my vote for flag bearer in the opening ceremony.

She is ready. She will be a force to reckon with in Japan. She needs to exhibit more confidence at the start Line. Wave with a little exuberance. Do not let the competition see you nervous but certainly let them see you sweat at the finish. Here are things that Natoya Goule can do to ensure victory.

Think of the Records for the event and aim for the fastest time. World time is 1:53:28. Olympics is 1:53:43.

Develop a strategy and run every Race accordingly. Tweak it a little where necessary.

I recommend the following Splits, First 100M – Next 600M – Next 50M – Final 50M. Do not run in the Pack. Do not engage in a Jog in the park. Run the Race, get into the heads of the competitors, and run the splits. Mentally and physically, practice the splits. Get to the point where there is no thinking, just running.

First 100M establish Momentum

Next 600M maintain Momentum, follow the leader, and always stay in striking distance of the Leader but at your Pace. If the Lead changes, follow that leader. If the Pace is too slow, go by and stay at your Pace (one you have proven that you can maintain during Training). Do not Jockey for the lead it will ruin your Stamina.

Stay within yourself. Just exert enough energy to maintain Momentum. Your mission is to win. Take the Record if you can.

Next 50M get ready to sprint. This is like a running start in Relays but longer. Ask a member of 4 x 100 Relay team to work with you on that in Training. Be serious it will make a difference.

Final 50M run as fast as you can to the Finish. Leave nothing on the Track. Focus on the Finish Line. The only Race you are running is this one. Past and future races are of no concern. This is where work on Sprinting will help.

Imagine you are in the Olympics 2020 Final in Training and Competition. See yourself winning the ultimate Prize. You have to imagine accomplishing.

Training should not be fun. It should be hard work but no Pain, no Gain. You have my vote for flag bearer in the opening ceremony.

Summer Olympics 2020, is Jul 24 – Aug 9, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. All Olympic hopefuls are expected to compete. Competing in this event is required. If you own a bag with Track shoes, athletic equipment inside, been hibernating in 2017, 2018, and 2019; year-end 2019 is the time to wake up. Get ready, on your mark, set, and Go. Wake the World and tell the People.

Natoya Goule is a star. Despite finishing sixth in Doha 2019, I anticipate improvement and a good performance in the 800 Meters. The competition will be fierce but she has the ability to earn a medal. It is refreshing to see an athlete step away and establish a new frontier.

It appears some athletes are waiting to peak in spring 2020. That could be a bad strategy. One should be taking a break in spring 2020 and work on the mental or psychological. Coming into summer fresh and hungry like the Wolf is a better strategy.

Gayon Evans has potential specifically in the 200M. Perhaps she should focus on that event. 23.18 seconds is a good time. If she can run faster than 23.0, she will be a contender.

Elaine Thompson has proven that she is excellent athlete. She will always be a force to reckon with as long as she is in good health. Not a good outing in Doha 2019 but she will bounce back. Her performance in Rio 2016 was exceptional. She is one of the few Female athletes who can run the 100M with regularity, in less than 11.00 seconds. She has also proven that she can run the 200M in less than 22.00 seconds. Overall, I expect her to perform well in Olympics 2020. No athlete is winning the Women’s 100M in 2020 unless she runs the distance in less than 11.0 seconds.

Jeanine Williams will be a force to reckon with in the hurdles. She should focus on that event. The 100 meter will be a challenge. There is a possibility she might earn a spot on the 4×100 meter relay team. She is the epitome of a Student Athlete.

Kimberly Williams is an excellent Triple Jump athlete. However, the Olympics and World Championships have not seen her best performances. Perhaps, 2020 will be the year. The fans certainly hope so.

Danniel Thomas-Dodd is ready to take her performance to another level. I expect improvement since 2018 Commonwealth Games. The competition will be fierce but I think she can win. Her performance in Doha 2019 is setting the stage.

Anastasia Leroy has exhibited solid performances and has additional potential that should be realized in Olympics 2020. For Anastasia the time is now and I anticipate a strong performance. Despite finishing sixth in Doha 2019, there is still time to atone and be ready for Olympics 2020.

Yohan Blake did not have a good outing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His performance in Doha 2019 did not meet expectations. Olympics 2020 is definitely time for Yohan Blake to perform at his best in the 100M and 200M. The stage is set for Yohan to have solid performances. However, there is only so much continuous running in the legs of a Professional sprinter. At some point between Training and competing, the body gets tired even if the brain does not. Yohan Blake might be approaching that point. I think he participates in the 2020 Olympics and then retire. Suffice to say, no athlete is winning the Men’s 100M in 2020 unless he runs the distance in less than 10.0 seconds.

Everton Clarke with a Personal Best of 10.08 for the 100M and 20.45 for the 200M should see Olympics 2020 as a venue to achieve. I hope he makes the Team. His Men’s 4 × 100 meters relay participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games was strong. Olympics 2020 will make or break the career of many athletes. That is true for both Male and Female. Everton Clarke is one of those athletes. Apparently not selected for Doha 2019 but I still have hope he will make it to Olympics 2020.

I am not a fan of World Championships. Heads up the Africans are getting better but Coaching in Jamaica is improving and very conscious of the need for Resources. South East Asia including the Philippines will be there.

Omar McLeod continues to impress. His performances have created renewed interest in the 110M Hurdles. The 110M Hurdles is an event in which Jamaican Athletes should excel. Doha 2019 was a defeat but there is still time for Omar to bounce back. Until Omar is defeated at the Olympics, he owns that event. He was the first from Jamaica to win the event on that stage but he knows there will be others. For now, let him enjoy the fame and fortune. It is time to get ready for Olympics 2020. I am 100 percent behind him and support his consideration of the 400M Hurdles.

Steven Gayle showed promise in 2017 but in 2018, he appeared to falter. Perhaps, there was something lacking in his training regiment. I hope the matter is resolved and he will return rejuvenated.

Tajay Gayle looks exceptional at the Long Jump. 2020 Olympics, is definitely the year for him to demonstrate his talent. He looked good in Doha 2019.

Ronald Levy is the Athlete with the best potential to challenge Omar McLeod. He has excellent technique and speed. He is at his prime for the 110M Hurdles. The 2020 Olympics, is definitely the year for him to demonstrate he is a superior athlete in that event.

Demar Forbes if still active should be competitive in the Long Jump. The 2020 Olympics, is definitely the year for him to demonstrate his capability in that event.

Andre Clarke if still active should be competitive in the 400M Hurdles. Regardless of any performances I have not seen, this event is up for grabs at Olympics 2020. Anyone from anywhere can win.

Jermaine Gayle still has time to come in from the cold. Excellent performance in the 400M event will require men who will consistently run between 43.01 and 44.5 and women who will consistently run between 48.0 and 49.4. This is a serious challenge. The 400M race is the most exhausting of the sprints.

Team Jamaica is looking good leading up to Olympics 2020. However, there is much work to be done. Women are doing better than Men. Field events have new Life. Team Jamaica Track and Field landscape is poised for a changing of the Guard, after Olympics 2020.

Summer Olympics 2020 is Jul 24 – Aug 9, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. This is the every four years replay of the Grandfather of Track and Field competition. This is a necessary event, once every four years but on an even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) number ending year on the calendar. The World Championships is once every four years but on an odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) number ending year on the calendar.

Anyone wishing to be documented as an excellent athlete, Male and Female, competing in this event is required. If you own a bag with Track shoes inside, athletic equipment, and have been hibernating in 2017 and 2018; 2019 is the time to wake up.

Natoya Goule is a star. I anticipate improvement and a good performance in the 800 Meters. The competition will be fierce but she has the ability to earn a medal. It is refreshing to see an athlete step away and establish a new frontier.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a Vanguard of Jamaican Female Track and Field. I wish her well in 2020. I thought she would retire after Olympics 2016. Obviously, she missed the stage. Her early performances look good but I think the results of Olympics 2016 said a lot. We all hoped she was victorious in the 2016 Olympics by winning the Women’s 100M a third consecutive time but that did not happen.

Remona Burchell has potential that could surface in Olympics 2020. Based on her accolades I expect competitive performance. Her challenge is can she run faster than 11.03 seconds for the 100M.

Gayon Evans has potential specifically in the 200M. Perhaps she should focus on that event. 23.18 seconds is a good time. If she can run faster than 23.0, she will be a contender.

Elaine Thompson has proven that she is excellent athlete. She will always be a force to reckon with as long as she is in good health. Her performance in Rio 2016 was exceptional. She is one of the few Female athletes who can run the 100M with regularity, in less than 11.00 seconds. She has also proven that she can run the 200M in less than 22.00 seconds. Overall, I expect her to perform well in Olympics 2020. No athlete is winning the Women’s 100M in 2020 unless she runs the distance in less than 11.0 seconds.

Tovea Jenkins while I have not seen or heard much about her recently, this is perhaps her final chance to prove herself as a competitor in the 400M.

Jeanine Williams will be a force to reckon with in the hurdles. She should focus on that event. The 100 meter will be a challenge. There is a possibility she might earn a spot on the 4×100 meter relay team. She is the epitome of a Student Athlete.

Kimberly Williams is an excellent Triple Jump athlete. However, the Olympics and World Championships have not seen her best performances. Perhaps, 2020 will be the year. The fans certainly hope so.

Danniel Thomas-Dodd is ready to take her performance to another level. I expect improvement since 2018 Commonwealth Games. The competition will be fierce but I think she can win.

Tiffany James should be ready to step away from the shadows of relay competition. It would be interesting to see if she can handle performing as an individual in the 400M. Performance at the junior level is recognized but the Olympics stage is more challenging.

Anastasia Leroy has exhibited solid performances and has additional potential that should be realized in Olympics 2020. For Anastasia the time is now and I anticipate a strong performance.

Yohan Blake did not have a good outing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Olympics 2020 is definitely time for Yohan Blake to perform at his best in the 100M and 200M. The stage is set for Yohan to have solid performances. There is only so much continuous running in the legs of a Professional sprinter. At some point between Training and competing, the body gets tired even if the brain does not. Yohan Blake might be approaching that point. I think he participates in the 2020 Olympics and then retire. Suffice to say, no athlete is winning the Men’s 100M in 2020 unless he runs the distance in less than 10.0 seconds.

Everton Clarke with a Personal Best of 10.08 for the 100M and 20.45 for the 200M should see Olympics 2020 as a venue to achieve. I hope he makes the Team. His Men’s 4 × 100 meters relay participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games was strong. Olympics 2020 will make or break the career of many athletes. That is true for both Male and Female. Everton Clarke is one of those athletes. Heads up the Africans are getting better.

Kimmari Roach with a Personal Best of 10.12 for the 100M showed promise in 2014. Since then I have not seen much. If he is still active, now is the time for him to stand and be counted.

Omar McLeod continues to impress. His performances have created renewed interest in the 110M Hurdles. The 110M Hurdles is an event in which Jamaican Athletes can excel. Until Omar is defeated at the Olympics, he owns that event. He was the first from Jamaica to win the event on that stage but he knows there will be others. For now, let him enjoy the fame and fortune. It is time to get ready for Olympics 2020. I am 100 percent behind him and support his consideration of the 400M Hurdles.

Steven Gayle showed promise in 2017 but in 2018, he appeared to falter. Perhaps, there was something lacking in his training regiment. I hope the matter is resolved and he will return rejuvenated.

Ronald Levy is an Athlete with the best potential to challenge Omar McLeod. He has excellent technique and speed. At age 27, he is at his prime for the 110M Hurdles. The 2020 Olympics, is definitely the year for him to demonstrate he is a superior athlete in that event.

Demar Forbes if still active should be competitive in the Long Jump. The 2020 Olympics, is definitely the year for him to demonstrate his capability in that event.

Andre Clarke if still active should be competitive in the 400M Hurdles. Regardless of any performances I have not seen, this event is up for grabs at Olympics 2020. Anyone from anywhere can win.

Jermaine Gayle still has time to come in from the cold. Excellent performance in the 400M event will require men who will consistently run between 43.01 and 44.5 and women who will consistently run between 48.0 and 49.4. This is a serious challenge. The 400M race is the most exhausting of the sprints. Accumulation of Lactic Acid affects performance on the Track.

Peter Matthews if still active should be competitive in the 400M sprint. Regardless of any performances I have not seen, if he improves on his Personal Best of 44.69 he is heading in the right direction.

Rusheen McDonald if still active should be competitive in the 400M sprint. Regardless of any performances I have not seen, if he improves on his Personal Best of 43.93 he should make the Team.

Team Jamaica grade by Event and expectations at Olympics 2020:

Men:

Event Analysis Grade

100 M – Need Improvement – C

200 M – Need Improvement – C

400 M – Need Improvement – C

800 M – Need much Improvement – D

1500 M– Need much Improvement – D

Long Jump – Need Improvement – B

Triple Jump – Need much Improvement – D

High Jump – Need much Improvement – F

Hurdles 110 M – Excellent – A+

Hurdles 400 M – Excellent – A

Discus – Excellent – A+

Shot Put – Good – B

Javelin – Need much Improvement – F

4 × 100 meters relay – Need Improvement – C

4 × 400 meters relay – Need Improvement – C

Team Jamaica grade by Event and expectations at Olympics 2020:

Women:

Event Analysis Grade

100 M – Need Improvement – C

200 M – Need Improvement – C

400 M – Need Improvement – B

800 M – Excellent – A

1500 M – Need much Improvement – D

Long Jump – Need Improvement – B

Triple Jump – Excellent – A+

High Jump – Need much Improvement – F

Hurdles 100 M – Excellent – A+

Hurdles 400 M – Excellent – A

Discus – Need much Improvement – D

Shot Put – Need much Improvement – D

Javelin – Need much Improvement – F

4 × 100 meters relay – Excellent – A+

4 × 400 meters relay – Excellent – A+

Team Jamaica is looking good leading up to Olympics 2020. However, there is much work to be done. Women are doing better than Men. Field events have new Life. Team Jamaica Track and Field landscape is poised for a changing of the Guard, if not before Olympics 2020, certainly immediately after.

It appears that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has realized the folly and is implementing the correct process to arrive at a legitimate champion of College Football. In an article, I wrote in 2010 and inserted below, I berated the NCAA for not exhibiting the ingenuity to create a constructive Play off System for College Football.

A system that would eliminate multiple teams debating and profiling they are # 1. One that would have the highest Ranking teams each year, play for the Championship on the field, inclusive of an elimination process. From all accounts, the NCAA is implementing the correct process to arrive at a legitimate champion of College Football or close to it. See the article below.

Ignore College Football Bowl Games

It is time to stop the charade and unparalleled lunacy. If need be then congress should step forward and demand that this farce cease and desist. Congress has no disclaimer. They have already interceded in professional Base Ball and I would suspect that if necessary, would intervene in other sports.

The continuation of this senseless annual trivial parade of Bowl games, at the end of which some college football team is declared as champion by a group of old men and a computer, followed by the insignificant index finger pointing by the players is an insult to the intelligence of sports fans. In fact, it is an insult to the Intelligence and Athleticism that these institutions of higher learning are expected to provide.

Bowl games in college football at the end of which some team is declared the fictitious champion is an insult to the intelligence presumed to exist in the halls of our institutions of higher learning. The fictitious determination of a champion in college football constitutes a mockery of the History of Athleticism. It does not matter what the team looks like on paper or what the computer thinks, or the manipulated results generated from some workstation.

The championship game should be played on the field. How many times have you seen a basketball team play a game yesterday and based on talent should beat the squad they are about to play but they lose, even if by one point. How many times have you heard that a computer predicts one athlete would beat the other in the 100 meter dash and the reverse happens? Right more times than not. The championship game should be played on the field.

Now is the time to ignore the Bowl Games on television. If no one watch the games sponsors will know from the ratings. If the ratings fall, the sponsors will challenge the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). If the BCS refuse to comply then the sponsors will pull their advertisement. The Television station will not show the games and BCS will not make money. You have to hit the pocket book.

Now is the time to develop a Play-off system using the four (4) major or traditional Bowl Games. My choice is use the Rose, Orange, Sugar, and Cotton Bowls. That would mean you add about two weeks to the season or reduce regular season by one week and add an extra week, or reduce the regular season by two weeks to accommodate playing the championship game on the field.

However it is determined to incorporate those two weeks, we have a week for the pairing of the four bowl winners, and a week to match up the two undefeated teams. Sure, keep the other bowls if you wish but put the eight best teams in the Rose, Orange, Sugar, and Cotton Bowls.

Now I know many will say the students have to get back to classes. I say what classes. We all know that most Football players do not give a flip about classes. There is no college athlete or Football player who would pass on an opportunity to settle the championship matter on the field. It is time to stop the charade and unparalleled lunacy. The championship game should be played on the field. Now is the time to ignore the Bowl Games on television unless the BCS develop this kind of Play-off system.

Clearly significant improvement in Field events, since World Championship 2017. I am impressed with the wealth of Talent on the Female side of the Jamaican Track and Field Ledger. Perhaps, that will get the Male athletes to step up. Very soon, I expect the Men to step forward with stellar performance in Field events.

The Hurdles event has caught on. Ronald Levy won gold in the 110M hurdles. Janieve Russell won gold in the 400M hurdles. Hansle Parchment won silver in the 110M hurdles. Danielle Williams won silver in the Women’s 100 meters hurdles. Jaheel Hyde won bronze in the Men’s 400 meters hurdles. Yanique Thompson won bronze in the Women’s 100 meters hurdles. My expectation is that it will require less effort to improve the performance in Hurdling than it will for additional improvement in Field events. I am wondering who will start throwing the Javelin – someone, anyone, Male or Female. It is a unisex sport.

That Yohan Blake won bronze in the Men’s 100 meters and Elaine Thompson did not have a good outing by her standards, is cause for concern. There is only so much continuous running in the legs of a Professional sprinter. Yohan Blake might be approaching that point. I think he participates in the 2020 Olympics and then retire. It might be a good idea for Elaine Thompson to switch camp and work with Glen Mills.

The people responsible for training the Women’s 4 × 400 meters relay team is doing a great job. Over the years that quartet, mix or match, has been competitive or dominant. Perhaps, they should be commissioned to recruit Male athletes to run the 400M exclusively. The 400M race needs new stars. Until there is discovery, nurturing, and development of at least three (3) consistent 400M sprinters, lack of significant representation in the Men’s 400M race will be obvious. Excellent performance in the 400M event will require men who will consistently run between 43.01 and 44.5 and women who will consistently run between 48.0 and 49.4. This is a serious challenge. The 400M race is the most exhausting of the sprints.

Having said the above, what are my expectations for the Olympics in 2020? I have none now. It is too early to speculate. I am confident they will take home some Hardware from Olympics 2020.The results from Commonwealth Games 2018 are impressive. Congrats to the entire team!!!

Performance in the Diamond League will determine Olympic 2020 readiness. I think there will be a changing of the Guard in the Sprint events. There is unlikely to be replacements for Usain and Shelly-Ann by 2020. If you considered Usain – Yohan and Elaine- Shelly-Ann One-Two punches, until proven otherwise I have not seen that male or female athlete. I have not seen another Male athlete capable of running sub 10.0 seconds or a Female athlete capable of running sub 11.0 seconds for the 100M. Yohan Blake and Elaine Thompson have demonstrated they can. However, based on recent performances, they are required to prove they still can.

Warning: no one is winning the Men’s 100M in 2020 unless he runs sub 10.0 seconds. No one is winning the Women’s 100M in 2020 unless she runs sub 11.0 seconds. You can put that in the Retirement Fund.

They came, they saw, and conquered. They performed victoriously, hugged competitors, shook hands, and prepared for more challenges. Despite apparent dominance, they remained respectful and conducted themselves as class citizens of the world Athletic community.

Such was the behavior of Usain St. Leo Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce between the years 2008 and 2017. 2008 through 2017 was a period in which the best athletes on the planet participated in three Olympics and three World Track and Field Championships. Shelly Ann and Usain performed at an extremely high level, displaying their talents and making their Island Nation proud. Now that the end has arrived for Shelly Ann, and is near for Usain, let us reflect and give thanks to God that we witnessed many wonderful Athletic performances by both persons.

Parting is such sweet sorrow but as fans of Usain and Shelly Ann, we should feel no sorrow as they leave the performing stage. Both gave us many thrills between 2008 and 2017. Let us all commemorate their incomparable achievement accordingly.

Usain Bolt made me a modern day Prophet. In 2006, I had a disagreement with a professional associate that almost turned into a major argument. This person and I disagreed about the potential, capabilities, and abilities of the Jamaican Track and Field athlete. I said that if the Jamaican Track and Field athletes obtained the resources available to those of other Nations they would be the fastest on the planet. By Resources, I meant modern Equipment and Nutrition. That comment was not well- received by the witnesses to that discussion.

Words cannot explain how I felt at the conclusion of the Olympics in 2008. Usain Bolt accomplishments in the last three Olympics are best summarized accordingly. In 2008, it was good morning. In 2012, it was good afternoon. In 2016, it was good night. I am certain that the individual with whom I had the disagreement witnessed the events and truth to my claim. To Usain Bolt I proudly say, thank you.

While the modernization of Jamaican Track and Field began with Donald Quarrie in the 1976 Olympics, Usain and Shelly Ann has taken that effort to another level.

Shelly Ann has given an excellent account of herself. Winning the 100M in successive Olympics – 2008 and 2012, is exceptional accomplishment. While I am certain that Usain three-peat will not happen again, it is doubtful or I have yet to see the female athlete who can match the accomplishment of Shelly Ann. However, there is a chance that Elaine Thompson could do just that. Therefore, it is probably best to say that in the Male arena repeat wins in successive Olympics will not reoccur but I can see it happening in Female competition. What if as a continuation of my proclamation about the Jamaican athlete in 2006, it is destined that a Female athlete will win the 100M and 200M in three successive Olympics. WOW! That would be something.

Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce provided inspiration to their teammates and Island Nation. Track and Field in Jamaica has attained new heights. The sport and its participants are well respected by the world. Phrases like, “the great sprinting nation”, and “sprint Capital of the world” is echoed around the Globe. Athletes from all parts of the Globe will descend on the Island Nation to train and prepare themselves to compete in the Olympics and World Championships. A prime example is Wade Van Niekerk. Wade went to Jamaica and added sprinting to his running. Has it paid off? Yes, it has, look at the 400M record of 43.03 for the proof. The Olympics 400M race is not a Dash anymore it is a Sprint. My prediction is that by 2020 Jamaican Athletes will be running sub 45.0 for the 400M event.

Usain and Shelly Ann provided inspiration to aspiring Track stars in Jamaica. Their mission should they choose to accept is Run at a high level. The 100M, 200M, 110M hurdles, 400M, 400M Hurdles, and 800M races are now sprints. Performances at the Olympics and World Championships in whichever event chosen by aspiring Track stars should mirror the accomplishments of Usain and Shelly Ann to continue the legacy. I am impressed with the wealth of Talent on the Female side of the Jamaican Track and Field Ledger. Perhaps, that will get the Male athletes to step up.

In 2020, there could be a drop in the level of individual performance on the Track but the Quartets Male and Female should remain strong. I expect to see the Men 4 x 400-relay team step up and give a better account. I am expecting improvement in the Field events such as Long Jump, Triple Jump (Hop, Skip, and Jump), Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, Hammer throw, and High Jump. New names will emerge and I am certain that recruited or not there will be individuals seeking to continue the legacy. Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce did their part. It is time for both to move forward and pursue other interests.

Farewell Shelly Ann. I wish you success in Family Life and Parenting. I wish you the same success in business as you enjoyed in Track and Field. I imagine you will be doing speaking engagements, and participating in promotional and Civic activities. I can see you as a future Prime Minister. Should you choose that path; Politicians should receive you with open arms. I believe that by the time your Political ideas come to the forefront, the current crop of Politicians will be ready to retire and as such, people will embrace your participation. You were a stellar ambassador and name recognition will be automatic. During your reign as a Super Star, you may not have received the ink or interviews you deserved but despite that, your popularity remained in tact. Thank you for all you did for the Sport. Track and Field fans wish you the best in your endeavors. God is watching you from a distance.

Farewell Usain but stay close to the Stadium. Be accessible to the teenagers particularly those of your former High School. There are many who are inspired to follow your example. They will need your attention, nurturing, and exhortation. At the very least, channel these youngsters Male and Female to Glen Mills. Volunteer some time to your former coach to assist in the development of future champions. That effort should be easier than adhering to a Training regiment.

My challenge to you in Retirement is to be a part of the discovery, nurturing, and development of at least three (3) consistent 400M sprinters. Lack of significant excellent representation in the 400M race is obvious. Excellent performance in the 400M event will require men who will consistently run between 43.01 and 44.5. It will require women who will consistently run between 48.0 and 49.4. This will be a serious challenge because the 400M is, as you will agree, the most exhausting of the sprints.

As an individual, you can be a voice nationally and internationally. Do not be afraid to be Capitalistic and be cautious with whom you do Business. Respect your inner circle. Trust but verify. Thank you for all you did for the Sport. Track and Field fans wish you the best in your endeavors. Thanks to you and Shelly, Track and field in Jamaica is coming in from the cold. God is watching you from a distance. Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.